Anderson’s big day at plate powers Green Valley to win over Basic

When Chelsea Anderson is in a groove, the Green Valley High School softball team is tough to beat.

Basic pitcher Tiana Tapuala learned that fact the hard way Monday, as Anderson went 4-for-4 with six RBIs to help the Gators (10-3, 3-2 Southeast) cruise to a 13-2 five-inning win.

“When her head is in it, Chelsea is a phenomenal hitter,” Green Valley coach Lauren Taylor said. “She has a hard swing and she has a steady swing.”

The senior slugger wasted no time in demonstrating that point, making the Wolves (8-6, 2-3) pay for two first-inning throwing errors with a two-run double to center field to put Green Valley ahead 3-0.

“I just did what I could to adjust to the pitches I was getting,” said Anderson, whose two-run single in the second inning made it 7-0. “I tried to stay focused and keep my head in it.”

Anderson had two more RBI singles before it was over, and pitcher Fenixx Henderson made the most of her lead by tossing a four-hitter to keep Basic from putting together a serious rally.

Taylor said Henderson also deserved much of the credit.

“Fenixx is just a freshman, but she’s out there to do whatever we ask her to do,” Taylor said. “She’s very consistent. Days like today are not a rarity.”

The Wolves scored both of their runs in the second inning, when Henderson became momentarily flustered. The first scored on a bases-loaded walk and the second came one batter later on an infield single by Jessica Pittman to make it 7-2.

But Basic’s defense failed to build on the momentum. The Wolves committed seven errors in the game, all resulting in Gators runs.

Taylor said she hopes her young team will maintain momentum heading into a tough stretch in its league schedule.

“Considering some of the (unpredictable) wins and losses going through our league, anyone can win (the Southeast title) at this point,” the coach said.